Thread: Luna Combination machine advice

I have the W59, I think the W69 has a wider jointer/thicknesser. They are good machines but old so condition may vary. Motors can be replaced but some parts are tricky, for example the bearing tracks for the sliding table might be worn, the little plastic drive couple in the switch might be fatigued and break and this part is no longer commercially available so you’re up for a new aftermarket switch. Also it’s nice to have a separate jointer and thicknesser.

There were two members congratulating one another on the forum for owning a Luna in the last couple of days. See this thread - Red Cedar box

Ha ha, one of them just beat me to it.

I have a W59 combination machine and found it to be great. Have replaced control switch. Was able to get some parts from Sweden.
John

I have a W69. It has a 16” jointer/thicknesser. It’s served me very well for over 30 years.

I have replaced the start contactor. The centrifugal start switches in the saw and thicknesser motors (Siemens) fused, causing the start windings in one of them to burn out. Replacement switches were no longer available, so I fitted electronic start switches. No electrical problems in the 25 years since then.

I purchased two new solid steel winding handles from EJCA, as the pressed metal originals were rubbish. The bronze nut in the saw blade height adjuster stripped, so I made a new one. I have a metal lathe, so for me it was easier than ordering one from Sweden.

The slot mortiser is very handy.

Happy to send pics if you want more details.

Pictures wood be great.
What would you think was a reasonable price to pay for one that appears in good condition and owned by a fastidious maker

I think I know the machine you are thinking about Brett. If it's the one common to our location it is in very good condition. I haven't run it but had a good look at it a couple of times.

Originally Posted by Brett57

What would you think was a reasonable price to pay for one that appears in good condition and owned by a fastidious maker

I honestly don’t know. They are a very solid machine. But they are an old design. They are certainly a much better machine than some of the rubbish out there today. But I doubt they would compete with a modern European combo machine. Depends how much bling comes with the machine too.

Some pics. Note the melamine spacer I made to separate the two halves of the machine a bit. The table saw fence runs into the thicknessser without it. I replaced the original blade guard with a much better one that has dust extraction. I also made vernier adjusters for the rip fence and sliding carriage stop.

Hi John,
Does the W59 have a 19inch jointer/ thicknesser ?
If so what is the difference between the W59 and W69

Originally Posted by Brett57

Hi John,
Does the W59 have a 19inch jointer/ thicknesser ?
If so what is the difference between the W59 and W69

The W59 has only a 250mm jointer/thicknesser. Might be the only difference, the rest looks the same in the photos.

This is mine, sorry about the weird orientation. I paid around 3k from memory about 15 years ago including all the moulder paraphernalia and the mortising table. I’ve upgraded to helical head and added an updated rip fence. I think about 3k is still a fair price for a w59 without a helical head, add 500-1000 for the helical upgrade machine or >1k if you upgrade it yourself.
IMG_2887.jpg

As already said, W59 has 250mm jointer/thicknesser. 3 blades on the planer head. I paid 3k about 15 years ago. Mine came with spare saw blades, box jointing jig and eccentric adjusting blade, spindle moulder cutters, various fences, and mortising chisel. Have not used mortiser. There was one advertised in a sale on facebook in Sept in Blue Mnts and maybe that is the one you are interested in.

Originally Posted by aussiepens

3 blades on the planer head.

The W69 has two blades. Maybe they can sneak an extra blade in on the W59 because of the smaller cutting width?

Mine only had two blades

67824856934__901B917A-3A4F-48E6-8335-78E88159B9F7.jpg

My mistake - Luna w59 has 2 blades. Different planer has 3 blades.